Introduction: The Heart Behind “Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy”
Mick Foley is one of the most beloved personalities in professional wrestling history — a WWE Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and entertainer known for his fearless in-ring style and storytelling charisma. But beneath his tough wrestling personas like Mankind, Cactus Jack, and Dude Love, Foley was shaped by a woman whose influence lasted his entire life — his mother. In January 2026, Mick Foley announced the passing of his mother following a long illness, touching fans, family, and wrestling communities around the world.
In this detailed article, we’ll explore everything fans want to know about his mom, including her age, life, and the circumstances of her passing — plus the profound impact she had on Foley’s personal and professional life.
Who Is Mick Foley?
Before diving into his family story, it’s important to understand the man himself. Mick Foley, born June 7, 1965, is an American former professional wrestler whose career extended from 1986 to 2012. Foley is renowned for his hardcore wrestling style and multiple personas, earning the respect of fans and peers across generations.
Today, Foley is still active in public life — as an author, actor, and inspirational speaker — and is widely admired not just for his wrestling contributions, but for his humility and storytelling beyond the squared circle.
Who Was Mick Foley’s Mother? — A Life Well Lived
Name and Early Life
Mick Foley’s mother was Beverly Foley — described by her son as a strong, fiercely independent woman. She was born in 1938 in a rural farming area of Western New York at the tail end of the Great Depression.
Despite humble beginnings, she grew up learning the value of hard work, resilience, thriftiness, and self-education — traits that would deeply influence her family. These formative experiences stayed with her as she became a mother and eventually played a pivotal role in molding Mick Foley’s character and outlook on life.
How Old Was Mick Foley’s Mother?
At the time of her passing in January 2026, Beverly Foley was approximately 88 years old.
Her age reflects a lifetime that spanned eras of dramatic social change, from the post-Depression years through the mid-20th century civil rights movements, and into the modern digital age. Her achievements — especially earning college degrees and raising a family — speak to her tenacity and vision.
What Happened to Mick Foley’s Mother?
A Long Battle With Dementia
Mick Foley shared the sad news of his mother’s passing on social media in January 2026. He revealed that she had been living with dementia for several years before her death. Dementia is a progressive illness that affects memory, thinking, and the ability to perform everyday activities — and it can be especially distressing for families to watch their loved one undergo such challenges.
In his heartfelt tribute, Foley emphasized not only his grief but also his desire to raise awareness and empathy for other families experiencing similar struggles.
No Funeral or Obituary by Wish
According to Foley’s statement, his mother had requested no funeral, visitation, or obituary, reflecting her private nature. Despite this, Foley and his family chose to publicly honor her life through a tribute that celebrated her strength, wisdom, and influence.
Lessons Passed Down: Her Impact on Mick Foley
Mick Foley often credited his mother with instilling in him a love of reading, storytelling, and intellectual curiosity. Her encouragement helped him pursue not just a wrestling career, but also a successful writing career. Her influence was so lasting that Foley said his literary success, including his bestseller Have a Nice Day, wouldn’t have been possible without her.
Furthermore, she was the inspiration behind Foley’s famous wrestling moniker “Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy” — a nickname that became synonymous with his wrestling persona and endeared him to fans worldwide.
A Legacy Beyond Wrestling
Championing Education
Despite facing resistance — including lack of family support for her own higher education early in life — Foley’s mom became the first in her family to earn a college degree and later pursued further education. This served as an example to her children that perseverance and self-believe were more valuable than any obstacle.
Battling Polio
One of the remarkable chapters of her life was her personal victory over polio — a severe disease that left many debilitated during her youth. Yet she not only survived, but thrived, shaping her identity as a person who could overcome adversity and, in turn, raise children who believed anything was possible.
How Mick Foley Responded to Her Passing
Following the announcement, reactions poured in from fans and wrestling communities worldwide, sharing condolences and remembering both Foley’s contributions and the woman who helped shape him.
Many expressed sympathy for the Hall of Famer as he navigated his grief — reaffirming how deeply personal losses, such as the death of a parent, resonate beyond physical achievements and public personas.
Mick Foley’s Family: A Broader Look
Mick Foley is married to his wife Colette Christie Foley, and together they have four children: Dewey, Noelle, Michael Jr. (“Mickey”), and Hughie.
While his mother’s role was foundational during his upbringing, Foley himself is now a devoted family man, passing on the same values of love, creativity, and resilience that he learned at home.
How the WWE Community Remembered Her
Though not a public figure like her son, Beverly Foley was acknowledged by fans and media outlets not only as Foley’s mother, but as the woman who helped ignite a spark that became part of wrestling culture.
Tributes often noted that her legacy wasn’t just in the personal moments with her family, but in how those moments helped mold one of the most beloved figures in WWE history.
FAQs About Mick Foley’s Mother
1. How old was Mick Foley’s mother when she passed away?
Beverly Foley was approximately 88 years old at the time of her passing in January 2026.
2. What happened to Mick Foley’s mom?
She passed away after a long battle with dementia, a progressive neurological condition that affects memory and cognition.
3. What was Mick Foley’s mother’s name?
His mother’s name was Beverly Foley.
4. Did Mick Foley’s mother have a funeral?
No. Out of respect for her wishes, there were no formal funeral services, visitation, or obituary, although the family shared a tribute publicly.
5. How did Mick’s mom influence his career?
She instilled in him values like resilience, love for reading and writing, and belief in endless possibility, which shaped both his wrestling and writing life.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Strength and Love
Mick Foley’s mother was much more than the parent of a wrestling legend — she was a teacher of life’s deepest lessons, a survivor, and a guiding force that helped shape one of the most enduring figures in sports entertainment. Her legacy now lives on not only through her son’s achievements, but in the countless fans and followers whose lives were touched by Mick Foley’s words, actions, and character — all built on a foundation she helped create.
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